Mississippi News
Jackson water crisis: Reeves asks SBA to open loans to businesses affected
Governor asks SBA to open loans to businesses affected by water crisis
Gov. Tate Reeves asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to open low-interest disaster loans to Hinds County businesses hurt by the Jackson water crisis in a formal letter Monday.
“Jackson businesses have been hit incredibly hard by the ongoing water crisis,” Reeves said in a statement. “They have shown their resilience and their commitment to this city throughout the years, and my administration will continue to do everything it can to support them during this difficult time.”
In his letter to the program’s director, Reeves outlined how businesses from daycares to restaurants had to shut down when they lost water pressure. Restaurants that have been open have had a major loss of customers while harboring extra expenses to buy clean water to keep their doors open.
READ MORE: As Jackson water crisis persists, restaurateurs worry customers are scared to dine out
Some businesses also took on the costs of portable toilets when their own could not flush. Hotels, the governor mentioned, also have had a sharp decline in overnight stays.
“Overall, with little to no running water throughout the city, businesses could not serve, clean, cool, or sanitize, forcing them to either suffer losses or temporarily shut down,” the letter says.
In order to prove the county could qualify for the loan program, the governor’s office had to survey local businesses and show at least five small businesses “suffered substantial economic injury.”
Restaurants and other affected businesses filled out paperwork about their costs and losses to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, giving the governor the data needed to apply to the program.
If activated, individual businesses could receive up to $2 million in SBA loans under the disaster program to help with expenses and obligations that could have been met had the water crisis not occurred. The loan amount a business can receive will be based on its economic injury and the company’s financial needs.
The program’s interest rate does not exceed 4%.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 11-13
SUMMARY: From July 11-13, Mississippi offers a variety of events for all ages. In Jackson, enjoy the season finale of “Late Night with Rita Brent,” Disney’s The Lion King, Jr., and exhibitions at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Pearl hosts the Mississippi Mud Monsters with fireworks and a Back 2 School Bash. Ridgeland features the Wildflower Field, Art Park, Renaissance Christmas in July sales, and a Fairy Garden Workshop. Natchez and Vicksburg offer farmers markets and local entertainment. Hattiesburg presents Po Boy Fest, Clue: The Musical, and outdoor movies. Activities include rodeos, ice cream tastings, run clubs, and community tennis events across the state.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 11-13 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Death toll from catastrophic Texas flooding passes 100
SUMMARY: Catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend killed at least 104 people, including 28 children, mostly near Camp Mystic, a century-old girls’ summer camp in Kerr County. Search-and-rescue teams continue to search swollen rivers for dozens still missing; officials expect the death toll to rise as more rain threatens the saturated area. Many victims were swept from cabins by flash floods early Friday, some clinging to trees. Authorities will investigate warnings and evacuation delays, noting poor cellphone service hindered alerts. Despite warnings issued before the flood, some residents didn’t receive them. President Trump plans to visit the state.
The post Death toll from catastrophic Texas flooding passes 100 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
LIVE: Officials give updates on Texas floods
SUMMARY: Crews in central Texas continue searching for victims after catastrophic July Fourth weekend flooding killed over 80 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River. The floods, some of the worst in decades, struck overnight, sweeping away tents and cabins. With more rain forecast, authorities warn the death toll may rise as many remain missing. Survivors described clinging to trees or fleeing to attics. Officials face scrutiny over flood warnings and emergency response. President Trump declared Kerr County a disaster area, pledging support while criticizing FEMA’s performance.
The post LIVE: Officials give updates on Texas floods appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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